Valerie Turner

Valerie “Val” (Chamberlain) Turner passed peacefully, surrounded by love, on October 31, 2025 in Toledo, Ohio at the age of 78. Valerie is survived by her daughters, Melissa (Kevin) Cousino of Toledo, Ohio and Delaney (Damon) Gilliland of Lakewood, Ohio; beloved Grandchildren, Olivia Brie, Turner Michael and Porter Wesley; ex-husband and dear friend, John W. Turner Jr.; siblings, Patricia Miller and Michele Winkler; and cherished friends, niece, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by sister, Gail Mckillop of Novi, Michigan and her father, Royal Chamberlain and mother, Marjorie (Altorfer) Chamberlain.

Valerie was born on February 14, 1947 in Riverside, New Jersey to proud parents Royal and Marjorie. She moved with her family to Berkley, Michigan at the age of five and graduated from Kimball High School in Royal Oak in 1965. After her father passed away when she was just 8 years old, she grew up in a bustling household of young women, with her mother at the helm. She married John W. Turner Jr. in 1966 at St John’s Episcopal Church in Royal Oak, Michigan. The couple immediately moved to Ithaca, New York where she made a home of their small apartment and worked as a secretary at Cornell University while John pursued his graduate degree at Cornell University. She always shared fond and vivid memories from those years.

Eventually they landed in Toledo, Ohio where they settled down and welcomed two daughters. Valerie viewed raising her children as her most important endeavor and would be the first to tell anyone that they were her purpose and reason for being. She was happiest when spending time with her girls and their eventual families and proudest when speaking to others about them. Valerie would take any chance she had to sit around the kitchen table, coffee in hand and gab away with friends and family. Not only was she a true nurturer and a phenomenal mother, but also a multifaceted creative. She was a talented seamstress, created whimsical and beautiful embroidery and dabbled in painting and drawing. Her way with the written word was unmatched. Her grandchildren always looked forward to birthdays and holidays for the cards she would write.

Valerie effortlessly created a warm environment. Her quiet presence created a space of love and her humor was immediately apparent. She observed the most unnoticed details and could make you laugh with a few words and the crack of a smile and the raise of an eyebrow. Valerie took care of those around her and was always quick to give what she had to help others, even if that was just a listening ear. She lived her life with humor, grace, strength and resilience.

The family will memorialize her in private at her request. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or the Rose Reder Memorial Scholarship Fund, sponsored by the Toledo Police Command Officers Association, 435 S. Hawley St., Toledo, Ohio 43609.